Woman accidentally shoots fiance at gun range

Hot casing went down her shirt, she flinched and fired

Published: Saturday, January 26, 2013 at 5:07 p.m.

Last Modified: Saturday, January 26, 2013 at 5:07 p.m.

A man was accidentally shot in the leg by his fiancee at a firing range this afternoon, says the Manatee County Sheriff's Office.

The man and woman were among a large group of people shooting at Manatee Gun and Archery Club in Myakka City about 2 p.m. The woman was firing a Taurus 1911 .45-caliber pistol when a casing flew from the gun and landed inside her blouse.

The woman flinched, trying to keep the hot casing off of her skin by bending over and swatting the casing out of her blouse. As she did this, she unintentionally brought the firearm in, pointing it down at her fiance's leg as she accidentally fired it.

The bullet hit the man in his right thigh, passing through his leg.

The man was immediately treated and transported to Manatee Memorial Hospital for more treatment. His wound is not life-threatening; he is expected to be discharged from the hospital later today.

Deputies ruled it was an accidental shooting after interviewing a person they say was an independent witness at the gun range and several of the people in the group, who all gave information consistent with the story from the man and woman.

No charges are being filed, the sheriff's office said.

The man and woman's names were not immediately released.

Staff at the gun range referred questions to the gun club's president, who has not yet been reached for comment.

<p>A man was accidentally shot in the leg by his fiancee at a firing range this afternoon, says the Manatee County Sheriff's Office.</p><p>The man and woman were among a large group of people shooting at Manatee Gun and Archery Club in Myakka City about 2 p.m. The woman was firing a Taurus 1911 .45-caliber pistol when a casing flew from the gun and landed inside her blouse. </p><p>The woman flinched, trying to keep the hot casing off of her skin by bending over and swatting the casing out of her blouse. As she did this, she unintentionally brought the firearm in, pointing it down at her fiance's leg as she accidentally fired it. </p><p>The bullet hit the man in his right thigh, passing through his leg.</p><p>The man was immediately treated and transported to Manatee Memorial Hospital for more treatment. His wound is not life-threatening; he is expected to be discharged from the hospital later today.</p><p>Deputies ruled it was an accidental shooting after interviewing a person they say was an independent witness at the gun range and several of the people in the group, who all gave information consistent with the story from the man and woman. </p><p>No charges are being filed, the sheriff's office said.</p><p>The man and woman's names were not immediately released.</p><p>Staff at the gun range referred questions to the gun club's president, who has not yet been reached for comment.</p>